NEW YORK
Point Lookout
A handful of cod and ling were scooped from the Mudhole on the party boat Captain Al during the weekend, Capt. Tom Weiss said. The ocean was cold, and 36 ½ degrees was the highest water temperature found. On Saturday’s trip, depths 100 to 110 feet gave up the cod. On Sunday, fish only bit in 185 to 190 feet. When cod are in during winter, the Captain Al targets them. Otherwise trips fish wrecks for cod and ling. Ling fishing will pick up as the ocean warms as winter ends. The Captain Al is sailing 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. See More Info. Call: 516-623-2248.
VIRGINIA
Virginia Beach
Fishing was phenomenal on a trip offshore this weekend with Rudee Inlet Charters, Capt. Skip Feller said. At first, some of the biggest blueline tilefish Skip’s seen, up to 20 pounds, were heaved in from 300-foot depths. Then several snowy groupers to 40 pounds were beaten from 450 feet. Next, 17 golden tilefish, including a 59-pounder and a 54-pounder, big ones, were drilled in 500 to 600 feet. “Just a really good day,” Skip said. The boat fished 80 miles from the coast, a little farther than usual, about 5 hours from port, because the crew knew the angling would be good there. Party-boat trips are sailing for this unique fishing toward Norfolk Canyon 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. every Saturday each winter. Call: 757-422-5700 or 757-425-3400. Visit Website.
NORTH CAROLINA
Oregon Inlet
Several trips sailed for bluefin tuna Saturday from Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, a report on the marina’s website said. None landed the fish, but all scored bites, and one of the trips fought a 600-pounder for 3 to 4 hours that broke off. Yellowfin tuna and tilefish were sometimes bagged, and Sunday’s fishing was about the same. Six-foot seas and 25-knot winds kept boats from sailing on Monday. Fishing for bluefins is getting rolling for the season from the docks. Visit Website.
FLORIDA
Islamorada
The week of fishing was good aboard, and a mix of catches bit, said Capt. Bruce Andersen from Captain Easy Charters. Sometimes sailfish and king mackerel were pumped in. So were blackfin tuna and amberjacks. A few large mahi mahi turned up, including a 30-pound bull and a couple of cows in the 20 pounds. May and June are usually peak months for mahi fishing, but a few of the dolphin are caught year-round. Trips sometimes deep-dropped for blueline tilefish and queen snappers. Or they bottom-fished closer to shore, cranking up mostly mutton snappers, from shallower waters. This winter’s been a pleasant, mild one on the trips from the Florida Keys, though the season’s been cold in the Northeast. Call: 305-451-9578 or 305-360-2120. Visit Website.